Queer collectives still some way off finding pride of place in Delhi University

Abstract

The queer collectives at different Delhi University colleges have been growing and are now being formally recognised by the administrations too. Realising how the existing women’s cells in the colleges were not catering to the needs of non-binary individuals, most felt the need to have a separate group.
It took several months for them to get recognised and now they hope that, apart from creating space for individuals in the community, they can also educate their peers and change mindsets. However, they say wholehearted acceptance from peers and, sometimes, from the administration will take time.
At Kirori Mal, Hansraj and Miranda House, the collective was in existence for the past few years. But the recent ones to be formally recognised are at Lady Shri Ram College, Hindu College, Zakir Hussain College and Bharati College. At St Stephen’s College, it’s still an informal group.

Iris Queer Collective at Bharati College was recognised formally in January. The need to have this space germinated in June 2021. A member of the group told TOI, “In June last year, I understood my sexuality and felt that despite being a women’s college, a safe space for us to talk was important. I approached a teacher and she guided me on how to go about the recognition process.” From writing a mission to manifesto, the group that started with 10 people has now grown.

At Lady Shri Ram College for Women, the official recognition came in May. C Karthika Sajeev, former students’ union president, told TOI, “It took us 6-7 months to get recognition for the collective. I was not worried about the bureaucratic process, but to make it into a group that doesn’t become rigid and dogmatised.”[Read More]